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How is a culture of ‘zero vulnerabilities’ possible? ORAU has the answer

We don’t stop at compliance, but instead we strive for excellence,” said Tom Amidon, director, ORAU Safeguards and Security.

ORAU received a rating of superior from the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) following a 2019 vulnerability assessment. ORAU showed zero vulnerabilities, an indicator of companywide dedication to a highly proficient security culture.

To achieve this high rating, ORAU went above and beyond the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) requirements. The S&S staff expanded training, upgraded monitoring systems and built on past success to prepare for future challenges in protecting people and the organization.

“Our team goes after program enhancements, not just for DCSA’s superior rating but also because we are already taking these measures as best business practices,” said Alan Forbes, physical security manager. The 13 full-time S&S staff members have 236 combined years of experience in the security field.

DCSA, which assesses more than 13,000 cleared contractor facilities, grants less than three percent of these facilities a superior rating. “We have earned a superior rating with each audit since DCSA made it possible for non-possessing facilities to achieve this score,” said Sheena Reynolds, personal security specialist and project manager for DCSA vulnerability assessment. “By being part of this premier group, ORAU employees have affirmed the importance and value of security measures.”

ORAU Media Contacts and Information

About ORAU

ORAU, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, provides science, health, and workforce solutions that address national priorities and serve the public interest. Through our specialized teams of experts and access to a consortium of more than 150 major Ph.D.-granting institutions, ORAU works with federal, state, local, and commercial customers to provide innovative scientific and technical solutions and help advance their missions. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Media Contacts

Pam BoneeDirector, CommunicationsCell: (865) 603-5142
Wendy WestManager, CommunicationsCell: (865) 207-7953